What Color is Egyptian blue
Egyptian blue is a majestic and permanent shade that represents the pinnacle of ancient chemical engineering. As the world's first synthetic pigment, it bridges the gap between historical innovation and modern digital vibrancy.
What color is opposite Egyptian blue?
The opposite color to Egyptian blue is Reef Gold (#a78411).
Additional Information
- Color Family: Blue-Violet
- Temperature: Cool
- Associated Season: Autumn
- Complementary Color: #A78411
- Brightness: 54/255
- Saturation: 90%
Colors That Pair Well With Egyptian blue
Complementary
Pair with Reef Gold for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Ronchi for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.
Harmonious Depth
Use lighter and darker shades for a sophisticated, cohesive design. Great for backgrounds, text, and subtle accents.
Color Variations
Tints (add white)
Tones (add grey)
Egyptian blue History
This pigment, known chemically as calcium copper silicate, was first manufactured around 2500 BCE during Egypt’s Fourth Dynasty. Artisans heated quartz, lime, and copper to create a durable glass-like substance that was later ground into powder. It adorned everything from the funerary masks of pharaohs to the intricate wall paintings of the New Kingdom, symbolizing the Nile and the heavens.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the recipe for this ancient blue was largely forgotten for centuries. It was not until the 19th century that scientists identified its unique chemical structure, revealing its incredible luminescence under infrared light. This specific property now helps modern archaeologists identify the pigment on artifacts that appear colorless to the naked eye.
Meaning & Psychology
Egyptian Blue carries an aura of authority and divine connection, originally symbolizing the life-giving waters of the Nile and the expanse of the universe. Psychologically, its deep saturation evokes a sense of trust and stability, making it far more imposing and serious than lighter, more playful azure tones.
Because the shade leans slightly toward violet, it also suggests mystery and high-level intellect. It provides a profound emotional weight that can feel both protective and intellectually stimulating, making it ideal for environments or brands that require a sense of serenity and deep-rooted history.
In Nature
Egyptian Blue is strictly a synthetic creation and does not occur naturally in the biological world; it stands in sharp contrast to the organic greens and browns of the earth. Its chemical relative, the mineral cuprorivaite, is exceptionally rare and lacks the vibrant intensity of the man-made pigment. Unlike the bioluminescence of deep-sea creatures or the structural color found on a butterfly, this blue is a product of high-temperature chemistry rather than biological evolution.
How To Use Egyptian blue
In modern design, this color serves as a commanding alternative to standard navy. It works exceptionally well in branding for luxury, legal, or technology sectors where a sense of heritage and precision is required. Use it as a primary background or a sophisticated accent to anchor lighter, more energetic palettes.
From an accessibility standpoint, Egyptian Blue offers excellent contrast when paired with white or light cream text. However, designers should be cautious when layering it over dark grays or deep blacks, as the low luminosity can lead to poor legibility in digital interfaces and mobile applications.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Pharaoh’s Treasury
A classic, high-contrast palette reflecting ancient royalty and wealth.
Cyber Artifact
A modern, neon-influenced palette that plays on the pigment's infrared luminescence.
Nile Twilight
A moody, naturalistic palette inspired by the transition from day to night in the desert.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #1034A6;
color: rgb(16, 52, 166);
background-color: #1034A6;
border: 3px solid #1034A6;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #1034A666;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #1034A6 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Egyptian blue
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Product Details
Add a touch of luxury to your home with our premium Eco Velvet cushions. Soft to the touch, these cushions are perfect for adding comfort and style to any room.
- Material: Soft Eco Velvet.
- Feel: Velvety soft finish.
- Print: Double-sided, all-over vibrant color using water-based inks.
- Care: Machine washable at 30°C.
- Construction: Handmade to order with a concealed zipper.
Eco Credentials
We believe in sustainable style. Our cushions are crafted with the planet in mind.
- Made to Order: Produced only when you order, eliminating overproduction and waste.
- Water-Based Inks: Printed using neo-pigment, water-based inks that are non-hazardous, toxin-free, and vegan-friendly.
- Local Fulfilment: Produced locally where possible to reduce carbon emissions from transport.
- Vegan Friendly: No animal products are used in the production of these cushions.
What Goes With Egyptian blue?
Explore color palettes containing Egyptian blue and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Complementary
Split-complementary
Triadic
Tetradic
Accessibility
Contrast with Black and White
Contrast with Black
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Contrast with White
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Closest Color Matches
Caran d'ache Luminance 6901
Ultramarine
#140 • #1E5CDA
Similar Colors
View all Blue-Violet colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Egyptian blue
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Egyptian blue?
What colors go with Egyptian blue?
Is Egyptian blue accessible for text?
How do I use Egyptian blue in CSS?
You can use Egyptian blue in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.egyptian-blue {
background-color: #1034A6;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.